My dogs both have a dental once a year, their breath is usually much better at least for a while after....Darla is 12 1/2 and last summer she had to have 7 teeth extracted, yes there is an increased risk with an older dog, but do you really want your dog around longer but in pain? If it was just the smell, oh well, I would let you suffer But if you suspect your dog is in pain, I would take the risk and have the dental done, I am quite convinced dogs would rather be dead then in horrible pain, I may be wrong, and I may get flamed for this, but I think having the dental and maybe a few extractions are in the pups best interest, if the worst happens, it was not in your best interest.
When it comes to health issues I try to go with the option that causes the dog the least amount of pain, and after having watched my older dog get through dentals with less drama then my younger dog, I no longer believe the "she is too old for this" myth.
